What does a real rat look like? - briefly
Typically, a common brown rat measures 20–25 cm in body length, with a proportionally long, hair‑less tail of similar length, dense coarse fur ranging from grey‑brown to black, small rounded ears, and prominent whiskers. Its eyes are relatively small, and the snout is blunt with a pointed nose.
What does a real rat look like? - in detail
Rats belong to the genus Rattus, with the most common species being the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the black rat (Rattus rattus). Both species share a set of physical traits that distinguish them from other rodents.
The body measures 20–25 cm in length, not including the tail, which adds another 18–25 cm. Overall weight ranges from 150 g to 500 g, depending on age, sex and nutritional status. The torso is robust, with a slightly arched back and a blunt, rounded head. The skull is relatively large, housing powerful incisors that protrude continuously and are covered with orange‑brown enamel.
Fur is dense and short, varying in color from brown‑gray to black in the brown rat, and from dark brown to almost black in the black rat. The ventral side is typically lighter, ranging from pale gray to creamy white. The tail is naked, scaly, and proportionally long—often equal to or slightly longer than the body. It lacks fur but retains a thin layer of fine hairs near the base.
Ears are large, rounded, and set low on the head, providing acute hearing. Whiskers (vibrissae) extend outward from the snout, measuring up to 2 cm, and serve as tactile sensors. Eyes are relatively small, dark, and positioned on the sides of the head, granting a wide field of view.
Limbs are short and sturdy. Each forelimb ends in four toes, while each hind limb has five toes. Digits are equipped with sharp, curved claws adapted for climbing and digging. The paws bear a thin layer of hair and possess flexible pads that enhance grip.
Key distinguishing characteristics:
- Body length: 20–25 cm (excluding tail)
- Tail length: 18–25 cm, scaly, hairless
- Weight: 150–500 g
- Fur color: brown‑gray to black (brown rat), dark brown to black (black rat); ventral side lighter
- Head: blunt, rounded, large incisors with orange enamel
- Ears: large, low‑set
- Whiskers: up to 2 cm, highly sensitive
- Eyes: small, lateral placement
- Feet: four front toes, five hind toes, sharp claws
These attributes collectively define the appearance of an authentic rat, enabling accurate identification in both field observations and laboratory settings.